Mini becomes a more practical car

At first glance, the new Mini may not look much different from its predecessor, but the new model comes with loads of improvements that make it a more desirable car.

Meanwhile, the retail price of the new model has not been increased, with prices ranging from Bt2.19 million (previously Bt2.19-2.44 million) for the Mini Cooper to Bt2.44 million (previously Bt2.49 million) for the Cooper D and Bt2.84 million (previously Bt2.64-2.84 million) for the Cooper S featured today.

While maintaining the typical Mini exterior design, the new car is larger in every dimension. It is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also been increased by 28mm, while the track has been expanded by as much as 42mm in front and 34mm at the rear.

The exterior is accented by a new hood scoop, centre-mounted twin exhaust, rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 205/40 tyres.

The size increase results in more cabin space for all four occupants who now enjoy more shoulder and leg room. Meanwhile, the luggage area when rear seats are up has grown by 51 litres to 211 litres, allowing more stuff to be taken along with a foursome.

The interior has been revamped with higher quality materials. Gone is the obsolete speedometer in the centre while the power window switches have been relocated from the centre console to the door armrest, where they should have been in the first place.

So while driving, the fascia now displays the speedo and rev counter, as well as trip computer and all warning lights.

The centre console now features an 8.8-inch screen that also displays vehicle functions, infotainment and Mini Connected services. Once connected, you can do all sorts of things, including Internet stuff like Facebook and Twitter. The Cooper S is the first Mini model offered in Thailand with a navigation system.

The outer ring of the screen housing features a multi-colored LED lighting system that adds a little visual information to whatever’s going on – driving mode, Parking Distance Control or navigation.

The Cooper S also comes with a new touch controller that allows handwriting inputs, while the smart entry function features a red toggle switch on the centre console.

While the Cooper and Cooper D get 3-cylinder engines, the Cooper S gets a 4-cylinder engine with turbocharger, capable of pumping out 192hp and 280Nm (goes up to 300Nm during overboost). Both maximum horsepower (4,700-6,000rpm) and torque (1,250-4,750rpm) come at low engine speeds giving the Cooper S its swiftness and responsiveness.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h is claimed to be 6.7 seconds and it rockets all the way to a top speed of 233km/h.

The 6-speed automatic transmission works fine, although even the Cooper S doesn’t get paddle shifters. But at least the “-” and “+” commands on the gearshift lever is in the right direction – move forward for downshift and pull back for upshift.

It is also possible to select driving modes – Mid, Sport and Green. This can be done by turning the rotary switch at the base of the gearshift lever. The choice of mode influences the acceleration, steering, shift time and damper stiffness. The Cooper S also gets the Dynamic Damper Control system, which allows individual adjustments of damper stiffness.

The electric power steering is precise and the Cooper S boasts a high level of agility, although it has matured into a grown up car. The steering is lighter and the suspension actually is capable of absorbing some vibration and shock from cracks and bumps on the road. The front strut and rear multi-link set-up offers excellent roadholding nevertheless, and is easier to drive than the previous model. Meanwhile for stopping power, ABS-governed disc brakes all-around come with loads of electronic assistance functions ranging from Cornering Brake Control to Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control.

The Mini has matured into a more practical car that’s easier to live with. But it’s still fun to drive and offers improved performance as well as mileage, at the same price.

 

 

And for those who want to spend some more on customisation, a new collection from Original Mini Accessories is being offered. Roof graphics, mirror caps, wheels, or even additional headlamps are available, but there are also four design lines that give the car an even more unique character.

 

_ Vivid Green: gives accessories a youthful, fresh look with striking dashes of rich green against a black background.

_ Speedwell Blue: adds a touch of sporty flair and a sense of tradition, thanks to a reinterpretation of the red, white and blue of the Union Jack, combined with a warm brown tone.

_ John Cooper Works Pro: reflects a passion for racing with a vibrant chequered flag in black, red and grey.

_ Essential Black: an understated and elegant design that’s pared back to a chequered pattern which runs diagonally.

 

MINI Cooper S specifications

 

Engine: 4-cylinder 16-valve twin turbo

Displacement: 1,998cc

Bore and stroke: 82.0x94.6mm

Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Max power: 192hp/4,700-6,000rpm

Max torque: 280Nm (300Nm with overboost)/1,250-4,750rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Ratios: 4.459/2,508/1.555/1.142/0.851/0.672

0-100km/h: 6.7 secs

Top speed: 233km/h

Average fuel consumption: 18.5km/litre

CO2: 122-125g/km

Suspension (f/r): McPherson spring strut/multi-link

Steering: electrically powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 10.8 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc

 

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 3,850

Width: 1,727

Height: 1,414

Wheelbase: 2,495

Track (f/r): 1,485/1,485

Weight: 1,250kg

Wheels: 18-inch alloy

Tyres: 205/40 R18

Fuel tank capacity: 44 litres

Price: 2.84 million

Distributor: BMW Group Thailand